Tag Archives: New Roof

Irrespective of the fact that you are installing a new roof from scratch or replacing the old roof, many materials are available in the market. The options are virtually endless with options ranging from asphalt, composite shingles, wood, concrete, clay tiles, slates, etc. The style is not the only important aspect, but you need to consider the weight of the material, the product costs and the necessary installation requirements. Hence, when you are going to choose a new roof for the house, always ensure you are considering the following points:

Square

Before finalizing the materials, it is important to check the specs. Instead of square feet, roofers measure the roof in squares. Here a single square measures 100 square feet (10x10ft) in the area. Hence, if the house measures 2500 square foot in the area and has a gable roof measuring 1,875 square feet, you need to buy 188-190 squares in total.

Cost Factor

Pricing of the material is the next important thing. The costs would substantially be high in case you are remodeling the house and stripping off the old materials. Additional expenses would also include the costs involved in repairing the supporting structure. Lastly, the shape of the roof will also be a major determinant too. While a gable roof having few breaks will be a simple roofing task, a house with multiple chimneys, turrets, intersecting rooflines skylights, etc. would substantially increase your costs.

Materials

It is not possible to use every type of roofing material on any roof. A flat roof or the one having a low slope will need a different material like a steeper pitch. The standard options that are available in the market include:

Asphalt Shingle: It is widely popular due to the minimal cost factor and the ease of installation. Made of fiberglass, it is impregnated with asphalt and comes with a surface similar to the sand-like granules. The prices start as low as $50 per square and go up with the kind of shingle that is selected and installed.

Wood: Use of wood for roof dates back to centuries and remains among the favorite options. The options range from redwood, southern pine, cedar, etc. Wood has a life expectancy of 25 years but costs twice as much as the other materials such as asphalt shingles.

Metal: Copper, steel, copper & asphalt, Aluminum, lead and other similar durable materials are also used for roofing purposes. Typically expensive, most of these are manufactured as seamed roofs comprising of vertical lengths of metal connected using a solder. Their range starts from $250.

Tile & Cement: Known as half cylinders of tile roofing, they are common on Spanish Colonial and Mission styles. They are expensive but highly durable and heavy.

Slate: Another durable material, slates are available from different quarries. They are sourced from Vermont, Pennsylvania and other states also provide multiple options. Starting from $800 a square, these can last for hundred years and above with low maintenance.

Finalizing your Choice

When it comes to remodeling, the existing roof of the house plays a most important role to complete the best roofing material. However, other factors such as texture, color, durability, weight, etc. will also be some of the crucial points to consider.

Key Installation Notes

Use flashing for exterior work on the roof and its siding. It is usually a metal or a plastic film that is applied in strips around areas where dissimilar materials are joined.
Irrespective of the choice of roof materials, coursing needs to be parallel to the edges. It is important that the joints are staggered from a course to the other to prevent any leakage.
Use cedar shakes or lengths of furring strips laid across the roof for allowing the roof to breathe.

For professional roofing services that are affordable and offered from experienced roofers, Kidder Roofing is a reliable name in the Clearwater area. For availing their services, dial 727-532-2300 or follow them on social media.